Rapid growth has occurred in the field of geographic information during the last two decades. Stimulated by technological advances in the collection, storage and analysis of data, a new discipline has emerged - Geographic Information Science.  Geographic Information Science involves research both “on” and “with” spatial technologies including geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and the global positioning system (GPS). At the core of GIScience is the integration of these technologies and their application to problems of spatial analysis. The fundamental theory and principles of GIScience are based in the discipline of Geography. However, virtually all fields (from engineering, to medicine, science, business, social sciences and humanities) are now embracing GIScience in both theoretical and applied research.

The Masters of Science in Geographic Information Science (MS GIS) integrates a suite of core courses with internship and independent research experiences to provide advanced training in the field of GIScience and its applications. Students completing the MS GIS will:

• develop, manage and analyze spatial data using field and laboratory techniques, integrating remote sensing, geographic information system, and global positioning system technologies
• engage the rapidly expanding body of literature devoted to spatial data analysis and the application of geographic technologies
• apply geographic technologies creatively in real-world settings to answer questions about spatial processes and effects

The Department of Geography at IUPUI welcomes applications to the MS GIS program from qualified students.  Criteria for admission include:

• Baccalaureate degree in Geography, or closely related discipline, from an accredited four-year institution
  
• if students do not have at least five undergraduate courses in Geography (i.e., 15 credit hours in a two semester system) and/or appropriate background in mathematics and/or computer skills, they may be asked to complete deficiencies before admission to the program

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a scale of 4.0)

• Satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
  
• either the verbal or quantitative score should be above 600, with the other score above 500

• English language proficiency
  
• Applicants whose native language is not English or who have not received a certified degree from an American institution should submit proof of language proficiency (normally this will be done through the TOEFL exam with a score of 550 or above). Please refer to the IUPUI Graduate Office for English proficiency requirements for non-native speakers of english, available at http://www.iupui.edu/~resgrad/grad/els-policy.pdf

• Submission of a statement of interest written by the student outlining reasons for wishing to pursue the MS GIS degree

• Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
  

Application Process:

Applicants to the MS GIS program must submit an on-line application through the Indiana University Graduate School.  

LINK TO ON-LINE APPLICATION TO GRADUATE PROGRAM: http://www.iupui.edu/~resgrad/grad/apply.htm

A complete application must include the following:

• Completed application form
• Three letters of recommendation.  These letters should be from individuals familiar with your academic abilities and potential.
• Official transcripts of all previous college and university work, documenting each course taken, grades received, and all degrees awarded.
• An official report of scores for the Graduate Record Exam
• A written essay (as required by the Graduate School) on "Why I want to enter the Masters of Science in Geographic Information Science Program at IUPUI"
• Payment of the application fee.  May be paid by check (made out to IUPUI) and mailed directly to the Office of the Bursar, IUPUI, 425 University Blvd., CA 147, Indianapolis, IN  46202 or by Master Card, Visa or American Express.

Curriculum:

Minimum of 30 credit hours, including:

• a set of integrated core courses which provide theoretical foundation for analysis of spatial phenomena using geographic technologies (9 cr)
• a choice of electives which allow the student to develop a particular specialty and/or field of application (8-11 cr.)
• G639 Seminar in Geographic Information Science (3 cr)
• an internship which stresses real-world applications of GIS techniques (4 cr)
• an independent research project or thesis (3 or 6 cr, respectively)

Core requirements in GIS theory and methods from any three of the following four courses (9 credit hours):

• G535 Introduction to Remote Sensing and Air Photo Interpretation (3 cr)
• G537 Computer Cartography and Graphics (3 cr)
• G538 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3 cr)
• G588 Spatial Statistics (3 cr)

• G639 Seminar in Geographic Information Science (3 cr)
• G560 Internship in Geographic Analysis (4 cr)

A variety of internship opportunities in academic, government, and private sectors will be available to MS students. Interns are required to work a minimum of 10 hours per week (for a minimum of fifteen weeks) in a setting where they gain insight into real-world applications of GIS.  A journal and substantial paper or other summary product, will be required in which students document and reflect on their experiences. The Graduate Program Committee will be responsible for approving internship placement and requirements.  The Graduate Director will supervise internships, meeting with the student and supervisors to ensure adequate progress. Students already employed as GIS professionals can petition the Graduate Committee to allow new work experience with their existing employer to fulfill this requirement.

• G645 Research Papers in Geography (3 cr)
• G650 Thesis (6 cr)

Thesis and research papers are developed and written under the supervision of a faculty committee. The research project or thesis will demonstrate a student's ability to work independently on a topic that involves a geographic problem that can be addressed with the tools of spatial analysis. A thesis ordinarily will involve the application of both theoretical insight and methodological skill to substantive issues. A research project commonly will focus on applied work, in which the student masters and applies new technical skills.

The following list is not intended to be exhaustive, rather to illustrate a variety of courses that would be appropriate. Students must have electives approved by the Graduate Program Committee before they are taken. Examples include:

• GEOG G535 Introduction to Remote Sensing and Air Photo Interpretation (3 cr)
• GEOG G536 Advanced Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing (3 cr)
• GEOG G537 Computer Cartography and Graphics (3 cr)
• GEOG G538 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3 cr)
• GEOG G588 Spatial Statistics (3 cr)
• GEOG G539 Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3 cr)
• GEOG G602 Seminar in Physical Geography (Cultural Biogeography, Climate Change) (3 cr)
• SPEA P520 Analytical Methods for Planning and Policy (2 cr)
  
• SPEA P527 Planning Applications of Geographic Information Systems  (2 cr)
• SPEA E549 Environmental Planning (3 cr)
• CSCI C541 Database Systems (3 cr)
• GEOL G595 Data analysis techniques in the geosciences (3 cr)
• GEOL G551 Advanced Hydrology (3 cr)
• New Media N510 Web-Database Concepts (3 cr)

Transfer credits:

Graduate School regulations allow for graduate credit earned at accredited institutions outside Indiana University to count in partial fulfillment of degree requirements. For the MS GIS up to 8 credit hours can be transferred into the program with approval of the Geography Graduate Committee and the Dean. No course can be transferred unless the grade earned was a B or higher and the course was completed within the last five years.  Students who have previously taken equivalent courses or can demonstrate expertise from appropriate work experience may petition the Graduate Program Committee for other courses to act as substitutions.  This does not reduce the number of credit hours that must be earned to complete the MS GIS.  Undergraduate credits cannot be applied to the requirements for the MS GIS.

Grade requirements:

All students must receive a grade of B- or better in any course for it to count toward the Masters degree. In order to continue enrollment in the program and receive the degree, students must maintain an overall grade point average of B (3.0) or better.

Time limits for completion of degree:

G535: Remote Sensing and Air Photo Interpretation (3 cr)
Nature and interpretation of remotely sensed data collected from field, airborne, and space-borne sensors.  Data from the visible, infrared, and microwave portions of the electromagnetic spectrum are discussed and analyzed from a geographic applications perspective.  Visual, photogrammetric, digital image processing, and GIS interpretation approaches are presented.

G536: Advanced Remote Sensing - Digital Image Processing (3 cr)
Advanced remote sensing theory and digital image processing techniques with an emphasis on environmental applications.  Hands-on computer exercises provide significant experience in introductory digital image processing for extraction of qualitative and quantitative information about the Earth's terrestrial environments.  Prerequisite:  G535 or consent of instructor.

G537: Computer Cartography and Graphics (3 cr)
Compilation, design, production, and evaluation of maps and related graphic materials. Includes cartometric procedures, symbolization, color use guidelines, map typography, photographic manipulations, computer animation, and geographic visualization techniques.  Hard copy and internet-based outputs.

G538: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3 cr)
Overview of the principles and practices of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The  course will deal with issues of spatial data models, database design, introductory and intermediate GIS operations, and case studies of real world GIS applications. Laboratory exercises will provide significant hands-on experience.

G539: Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3 cr)
Intermediate and advanced topics in geographic information science and spatial analysis techniques using GIS software. This advanced course is intended for those who seek a greater understanding of this rapidly developing field and to learn how to construct, manage and analyze their own GIS data and models.  Prerequisite:  G538 or consent of instructor.

G588: Applied Spatial Statistics (3 cr)
Extension of traditional statistical analysis to spatial data. Spatial means and spatial variances, the examination of differences in samples over space, spatial autocorrelation, nearest neighbor analysis, map comparison techniques. Emphasis on practical applications with GIS technologies. 
Prerequisite:  3 credits in geography or consent of instructor.

G639: Seminar in Geographic Information Science (3 cr).
Applications of geographic information science principles in the collection and analysis of spatial data.  Integration of GIS, remote sensing, and GPS technologies.  Review of current literature on techniques, theory, technology, and applications with an emphasis on environmental issues. Discussions, laboratory, and research project.  Prerequisites:  G535, G538, and G536 or G539 (3 courses).